Do I have chronic sinusitis?

DiscoZombie · January 2010

So basically I'm stuffy in the back of my throat 24/7/365, no joke. Can't suck it down, can't blow it out. No other symptoms, just postnasal mucus. I've kind of learned to live with it, but it really sucks, and some days it's worse than others. Been this way for a couple years, more or less. Seems strange that I might have developed allergies in my late 20's. I've been referred to an allergist but haven't gone yet.

Is anyone else like this? Would over the counter products change my life? Claritin, or a neti pot, or something else? I hate the idea of possibly having to take a pill every day to not be stuffy, but it might be worth it. Bring on the testimonials!

robotbebop · January 2010

I basically had the same thing; but I just had to be put on anti biotics and it pretty much went away. Before that I was living with it for more than a year.

Sporked · January 2010

I'm a fan of the neti-pot. If you have an actual infection, it won't make it go away, but once you get clear, using every day/few days will totally keep your sinuses clear.

DiscoZombie · January 2010

robotbebop wrote: »

I basically had the same thing; but I just had to be put on anti biotics and it pretty much went away. Before that I was living with it for more than a year.

That would be ideal, but sadly I was just on an antibiotic regimen for a flu or flu-like infection a few weeks ago and it didn't help

maybe it might help now that I'm not really sick with anything except my postnasal nastiness though...

Boredom · January 2010

This came to mind instantly:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/09/990910080344.htm

Essentially, there is a very high correlation with fungus and chronic sinusitis. Also of note is that mold, which is present nearly everywhere, is fungus - and releases spores based on humidity. Most cooling/heating systems have mold problems because of the humidity that's prone to build up between thermostat cycles.

Now, I'm not saying this is definitely the cause, but for me it was. I had chronic sinusitis for years, and the mold toxicity ended up causing more and more symptoms until I got treated for it.

Another point supporting this theory is that taking antibiotics kills the good bacteria, which normally keeps fungus in check - and most people have taken lots of antibiotics in their life. For me, consecutive courses of antibiotics made my chronis sinusitis (caused by mold) turn into a systemic immune reaction that put me in the hospital.

edit: also, the fact that you can't get rid of the mucus at all suggests that it may be thrush, which is characteristic of mold infection.

tl;dr: You should look into whether mold is causing your problem as it was for me.

Fantasma · January 2010

Sinusitis requires the correct antibiotic or correct combination of antibiotics targeting the infection for a minimum period of 16 days. You need to see a specialist (Otorrinolaringologist) for diagnosis and treatment.

He will probably order an X-ray of your paranasals.

I am not an expert, but what you describe does not sound like sinusitis.

Szechuanosaurus · January 2010

DiscoZombie wrote: »

robotbebop wrote: »

I basically had the same thing; but I just had to be put on anti biotics and it pretty much went away. Before that I was living with it for more than a year.

That would be ideal, but sadly I was just on an antibiotic regimen for a flu or flu-like infection a few weeks ago and it didn't help maybe it might help now that I'm not really sick with anything except my postnasal nastiness though...

I hope not the former - flu is a virus, antibiotics are completely ineffectual against virii. Are you sure you weren't prescribed an antiviral? If your doctor is prescribing antibiotics for suspected viral infections, find a new doctor.

DiscoZombie · January 2010

The fungus theory does sound likely... I should indeed see a specialist. I went out and got a neti pot last night. It was... interesting... I think it made me feel a little more clear but it wasn't a silver bullet or anything, ill stick with it and see what happens.

geckahn · January 2010

DiscoZombie wrote: »

The fungus theory does sound likely... I should indeed see a specialist. I went out and got a neti pot last night. It was... interesting... I think it made me feel a little more clear but it wasn't a silver bullet or anything, ill stick with it and see what happens.

Systematic fungal infection is typically going to be caused by candida albicans overgrowth. Could be something else, but that's definitely the most likely.

A symptom is constant sinusitis. I used to have it. I can give you advice on how to beat it, assuming that is your problem.

And it sounds like you have sinusitis (in response to the guy who said it doesnt sound like you have it). I had constant post nasal drip for years. and got bronchitis pretty much every winter. fun stuff.

Do you have any digestive problems? any other chronic symptoms?

DiscoZombie · January 2010

Any tips would be appreciated

I know there are oral fungicides you just have to take one time to kill some fungi, that would rule

re: digestive problems, I actually am a vegetarian probably due to digestive problems (I stopped eating meat when I was just a toddler so it probably was because it made me sick, not for ethical reasons). I suspect I have food allergies that have been undiagnosed but haven't been tested yet. I want to go to an allergist but I'm a lazy bum.

Xaquin · January 2010

Could be nasal polyps (which is what I had and it fits the bill)

see an Ear Nose and Throat guy and he will schedule you for a CT scan. They will get to the bottom of it one way or another.

geckahn · January 2010

DiscoZombie wrote: »

Any tips would be appreciated I know there are oral fungicides you just have to take one time to kill some fungi, that would rule

re: digestive problems, I actually am a vegetarian probably due to digestive problems (I stopped eating meat when I was just a toddler so it probably was because it made me sick, not for ethical reasons). I suspect I have food allergies that have been undiagnosed but haven't been tested yet. I want to go to an allergist but I'm a lazy bum.

If you're a vegetarian and your problems do come from candida overgrowth, then you're probably SOL if you want to stay a vegetarian. I believe there are ways to diagnose it via stool samples. Talk to a gastroentologist about it. Not all "believe" in candida overgrowth, but a good one will. Don't expect your primary care physician to know anything about it.

There are prescription anti-fungals you can take (nystatin, diflucan, lamisil) but they frequently will only weaken the infection, and as soon as you go off symptoms will start to come back. As to how to really beat it, here is my answer:

The number one thing you need to do is go on a paleo minus fruit (and you can add salt) diet. So what this basically means is no sugar (or sugar like derivatives, i.e. HFCS, dextrose, sweeteners, etc. Stevia is the only sweetener allowed), no grains/starches of any kind (no wheat, rice, potatoes), no soy, and no legumes (beans, peas, string beans). It's a low carbohydrate diet, heavy in meat, eggs, veggies, and nuts (but no peanuts or cashews). Lemons and limes are both okay as well, as is olive oil, and I used them a lot for cooking/salad dressing. No milk (lactose), but butter is fine. I'd also suggest drinking only spring water - the chlorine in tap water, while not usually a problem, can be for someone trying to re-establish their proper intestinal flora balance.

No alcohol at all. No coffee (causes vitamin b deficiency). You're going to be drinking a lot of water, although the originial formula V8 (not calcium enriched, low sodium, etc. - they have dextrose in them) is fine too.

As far as supplements go, take a b complex (50mg 2x a day) and biotin (1mg 3x a day)

You are going to want to take Formula SF722 (it's undecylenic acid, a medium chain fatty acid derived from castor oil, with anti fungal properties) with every meal/major snack (3 caps each time): http://www.amazon.com/THN-Formula-SF...0454534&sr=1-1

You also want to take extra virgin coconut oil - about 5 table spoons a day, spread out - take it with every meal as well. It's also a strong anti-fungal. Two of the medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil, lauric and capric acid are both very strong anti-fungals. Nutiva is the best brand, and is actually a really awesome cooking oil as well (and healthy in general).

And that's pretty much it. The diet is the most important part, you can never get better if you violate it. It can take as little as 4 to 6 weeks to resolve itself if you stick to this program exactly, although that will depend on how severe the problem currently is. She's probably going to feel really shitty once her body and the anti-fungals start really pushing the candida out of her small intestines. If she's feeling really bad she can reduce the anti-fungal dosage, but she's definitely going to have to tough it out to some degree. I got terrible insomnia and felt like shit for weeks, so it's not easy. Basically when the candida is dying, it releases mycotoxins that really fuck with your body - the main symptoms differ per person, but expect dry skin, diarrhea, general malaise and lack of energy, depression, and insomnia.

As you can see, I do not expect you to do this. But something to keep in mind if other possible causes don't pan out and you ever want to solve your problem.

And if it isn't obvious, the reason for the sugar free and starch free diet is to starve candida - it feeds off sugar, which is why it's so difficult to get rid of once it's established in the small intestine. Without doing that your body is going to have a very hard time fighting off the infection, especially considering one of the confirmed mycotoxins from candida albicans is gliotoxin, which weakens the immune system.

Boredom · January 2010

DiscoZombie wrote: »

Any tips would be appreciated I know there are oral fungicides you just have to take one time to kill some fungi, that would rule

re: digestive problems, I actually am a vegetarian probably due to digestive problems (I stopped eating meat when I was just a toddler so it probably was because it made me sick, not for ethical reasons). I suspect I have food allergies that have been undiagnosed but haven't been tested yet. I want to go to an allergist but I'm a lazy bum.

I was diagnosed with "unspecified food allergies." Nobody could figure out what specific foods I was allergic to though. I was put on a variety of diets and the results were completely random; symptoms kept recurring despite a gluten-free diet being helpful in the short run, for example.

This was due to opportunistic mold being able to colonize your body and cause what is described as anaphylactic shock like hypersentivities. My "allergies" turned out to be that sort of reaction.

Anyway, I know I suggested it, but keep in mind this isn't definitive. Statistically though, and from personal experience, this seems most likely. It also took over a dozen of doctors to diagnose me. Before getting a proper diagnosis, doctors made me take a hell of a lot of different medications, some for "anxiety" and some for "panic attacks" which were really all symptoms of severe systemic infection.

One doctor who initially couldn't figure it out was nice enough to persevere with me long enough that we bounced enough ideas off each other to come to this conclusion.

Anyway my point is, make sure to rule out fungal infection. What geckahn said about candida is absolutely correct. Many don't "believe" it and dismiss it as quackery, but the research which proves it is most definitely there. In fact, geckahn is also right about Nystatin weakening it. Just today my doctor and I made the decision to switch to a systemic drug to get rid of the remnants of this disease once and for all.

If it does turn out to be a systemic fungal infection, I'd be willing to help you out too.

Best of luck.

urahonky · January 2010

I have chronic sinusitis brought on by nasal polyps. So maybe you could have your doctor check that out?

Druhim · January 2010

Fantasma wrote: »

Sinusitis requires the correct antibiotic or correct combination of antibiotics targeting the infection for a minimum period of 16 days. You need to see a specialist (Otorrinolaringologist) for diagnosis and treatment.

He will probably order an X-ray of your paranasals.

I am not an expert, but what you describe does not sound like sinusitis.

I've got to echo Fantasma here. It's probably wasted effort since you're asking on a forum for medical advice, but why have a bunch of strangers on a forum try to guess what's wrong? Get to a doctor and get proper medical care. END OF STORY

geckahn · January 2010

Druhim wrote: »

Fantasma wrote: »

Sinusitis requires the correct antibiotic or correct combination of antibiotics targeting the infection for a minimum period of 16 days. You need to see a specialist (Otorrinolaringologist) for diagnosis and treatment.

He will probably order an X-ray of your paranasals.

I am not an expert, but what you describe does not sound like sinusitis.

I've got to echo Fantasma here. It's probably wasted effort since you're asking on a forum for medical advice, but why have a bunch of strangers on a forum try to guess what's wrong? Get to a doctor and get proper medical care. END OF STORY

chronic post nasal drip is most definitely sinusitis. I'm not sure how you could be confused about that.

The antibiotics kinda miss the point. If it's as chronic as he says it is, then they would clear up it for only a short time.

Druhim · January 2010

geckahn wrote: »

Druhim wrote: »

Fantasma wrote: »

Sinusitis requires the correct antibiotic or correct combination of antibiotics targeting the infection for a minimum period of 16 days. You need to see a specialist (Otorrinolaringologist) for diagnosis and treatment.

He will probably order an X-ray of your paranasals.

I am not an expert, but what you describe does not sound like sinusitis.

I've got to echo Fantasma here. It's probably wasted effort since you're asking on a forum for medical advice, but why have a bunch of strangers on a forum try to guess what's wrong? Get to a doctor and get proper medical care. END OF STORY

chronic post nasal drip is most definitely sinusitis. I'm not sure how you could be confused about that.

The antibiotics kinda miss the point. If it's as chronic as he says it is, then they would clear up it for only a short time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-nasal_drip

Post-nasal drip (PND) occurs when excessive mucus is produced by the sinuses. The excess mucus accumulates in the throat or back of the nose. It can be caused by rhinitis (allergic or non-allergic), sinusitis (acute or chronic), laryngopharyngeal acid reflux (with or without heartburn), or by a disorder of swallowing (such as an esophageal motility disorder). It is frequently caused by allergies, which may be seasonal or persistent through the year, depending on the allergen(s) involved. Birth control pills or pregnancy can also cause post-nasal drip because of the elevated levels of estrogen hormones.

Multiple causes, you're not qualified to diagnose let alone treat. He should see a doctor if he's concerned. END OF STORY.

Druhim · January 2010

And then even if it is chronic sinusitis, that hardly establishes what the solution is.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinusitis#Chronic_sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a complicated spectrum of diseases that share chronic inflammation of the sinuses in common. It is divided into cases with polyps and cases without, and the former is sometimes called chronic hyperplastic sinusitis. The causes are poorly understood[5] and may include allergy, environmental factors such as dust or pollution, bacterial infection, or fungus (either allergic, infective, or reactive). Non allergic factors such as vasomotor rhinitis can also cause chronic sinus problems. Abnormally narrow sinus passages (such as a deviated septum), which can impede drainage from the sinus cavities could also be a factor. A combination of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria are observed, including Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococci. Typically antibiotics provide only a temporary benefit, although mechanisms involving hyperresponsiveness to bacteria have been proposed for sinusitis with polyps.

Boredom · January 2010

What a weirdly strong reaction to posts that said "there is a chance it's this, see a doctor to confirm" and "if it turns out to be this, we'd like to give you tips because it happened to us."

Seeing a doctor is implied with terms like "rule out [x]."

More specifically, OP wanted to find out if "anyone else was like this" and yes, I was, and for a specific reason which I outlined.

Druhim · January 2010

But the thing is at this point, you really aren't helping by going any further than saying SEE A DOCTOR. Because that's really all he should be doing at this point. Anything else is just guesswork. Yes, most likely a doctor won't be able to figure out the problem right away. It may in fact require many specialist referrals and tests to try and narrow down the problem. Doctors aren't magicians that can look into a crystal ball and magically figure out what's wrong, they're human and they are working within the boundaries of what we know about the human body and sometimes that can be frustrating. But it's still the best way to proceed and it's really the only useful advice at this point.

geckahn · January 2010

Druhim wrote: »

But the thing is at this point, you really aren't helping by going any further than saying SEE A DOCTOR. Because that's really all he should be doing at this point. Anything else is just guesswork. Yes, most likely a doctor won't be able to figure out the problem right away. It may in fact require many specialist referrals and tests to try and narrow down the problem. Doctors aren't magicians that can look into a crystal ball and magically figure out what's wrong, they're human and they are working within the boundaries of what we know about the human body and sometimes that can be frustrating. But it's still the best way to proceed and it's really the only useful advice at this point.

I refer'd him to a specific type of specialist to see if he has a cause of chronic sinusitis.

I did this because no other type of doctor will ever diagnose that cause. So if it ends up being the problem, he'd be completely lost if he didn't go see a gastroentologist. and it's a sinus problem, so why would he go see a gastroentologist m i rite?

So don't be such a fucking cunt. Thanks.

Druhim · January 2010

geckahn wrote: »

Druhim wrote: »

But the thing is at this point, you really aren't helping by going any further than saying SEE A DOCTOR. Because that's really all he should be doing at this point. Anything else is just guesswork. Yes, most likely a doctor won't be able to figure out the problem right away. It may in fact require many specialist referrals and tests to try and narrow down the problem. Doctors aren't magicians that can look into a crystal ball and magically figure out what's wrong, they're human and they are working within the boundaries of what we know about the human body and sometimes that can be frustrating. But it's still the best way to proceed and it's really the only useful advice at this point.

I refer'd him to a specific type of specialist to see if he has a cause of chronic sinusitis.

I did this because no other type of doctor will ever diagnose that cause. So if it ends up being the problem, he'd be completely lost if he didn't go see a gastroentologist. and it's a sinus problem, so why would he go see a gastroentologist m i rite?

So don't be such a fucking cunt. Thanks.

Back off buddy. Read carefully over everything I've posted before you start making baseless accusations. In none of my posts did I claim anyone specific was giving him bad advice. I simple stated that the only advice that's really useful is that he should see a doctor. Which is in agreement with the advice you gave him. So I'm kind of amazed that you think I'm being a cunt to you. Maybe you just have a persecution complex?

geckahn · January 2010

Druhim wrote: »

geckahn wrote: »

Druhim wrote: »

But the thing is at this point, you really aren't helping by going any further than saying SEE A DOCTOR. Because that's really all he should be doing at this point. Anything else is just guesswork. Yes, most likely a doctor won't be able to figure out the problem right away. It may in fact require many specialist referrals and tests to try and narrow down the problem. Doctors aren't magicians that can look into a crystal ball and magically figure out what's wrong, they're human and they are working within the boundaries of what we know about the human body and sometimes that can be frustrating. But it's still the best way to proceed and it's really the only useful advice at this point.

I refer'd him to a specific type of specialist to see if he has a cause of chronic sinusitis.

I did this because no other type of doctor will ever diagnose that cause. So if it ends up being the problem, he'd be completely lost if he didn't go see a gastroentologist. and it's a sinus problem, so why would he go see a gastroentologist m i rite?

So don't be such a fucking cunt. Thanks.

Back off buddy. Read carefully over everything I've posted before you start making baseless accusations. In none of my posts did I claim anyone specific was giving him bad advice. I simple stated that the only advice that's really useful is that he should see a doctor. Which is in agreement with the advice you gave him. So I'm kind of amazed that you think I'm being a cunt to you. Maybe you just have a persecution complex?

so, was the caps lock broken on your keyboard? or what's the deal with that? END OF STORY

Druhim · January 2010

Why do you feel that was at all directed at you? Anyway, this isn't the appropriate place to air your imagined grievances with me. If you think I'm out of line, then report me and let a mod handle it or take it private it with a pm. Please keep it out of this thread.

DiscoZombie · January 2010

now now, I'm sure everyone has my best interests at heart =P

I certainly plan on seeing a doctor at some point, but as some have said already, doctors don't always know wtf is wrong with you, especially if you have something somewhat unusual like constant stuffiness at the back of your throat and no other symptoms. Though I guess it can't be *that* unusual if 2 or 3 people in this thread have had near identical symptoms. I was mostly looking for some ideas of what I *might* have, so at least I could theoretically have possibilities to mention to a doctor. Sinusitis caused by fungus seems like the most likely candidate at this point. I've been to a doctor already and all I got was a referral to an allergist, who may or may not help. an ear-nose-throat specialist should probably be my next step after that.

Druhim · January 2010

DiscoZombie wrote: »

now now, I'm sure everyone has my best interests at heart =P

I certainly plan on seeing a doctor at some point, but as some have said already, doctors don't always know wtf is wrong with you, especially if you have something somewhat unusual like constant stuffiness at the back of your throat and no other symptoms. Though I guess it can't be *that* unusual if 2 or 3 people in this thread have had near identical symptoms. I was mostly looking for some ideas of what I *might* have, so at least I could theoretically have possibilities to mention to a doctor. Sinusitis caused by fungus seems like the most likely candidate at this point. I've been to a doctor already and all I got was a referral to an allergist, who may or may not help. an ear-nose-throat specialist should probably be my next step after that.

Without targeting anyone, let me just clarify that I'm simply saying that even if a doctor doesn't know what's going on right away, the medical professionals are in a much better position to find out than some guys on the internet. What worked for a dozen other people doesn't necessarily have any bearing on your situation. It can be tempting to get frustrated with those doctors that you'd think would be able to figure it out quicker because that's their job, but the point is that a good doctor is going to be scientific about it (while still treating you with respect) and not just go based on anecdotal evidence that something worked for someone's cousin.

It's ultimately your choice of course, I'm just sharing my perspective that your best bet is with professionals. Even if they don't have a solution as quickly as you'd like, taking the advice of non-professionals can waste your time, your money, and even potentially hurt your health.

witch_ie · January 2010

I have chronic sinus issues including polyps, cases of sinusitis, etc. etc. If the polyps are really far back or if there's a lot of mucus, an allergist probably won't be able to diagnose polyps, but could provide a referral to an ENT specialist as was suggested earlier. Things that your doctor will most likely talk about: mold, fungus, nasal steroids, humidity, and sinus cleaning. A few months ago, I had two straight months of clogged sinuses and nasal drip. I was worried my polyps had come - they do that even after surgery. I went to my GP since I hadn't established a new ENT since moving and he prescribed some stuff to suck the moisture out of my nose...essentially making it too dry for my body to create the extra mucus. Note that I had not felt any inflammation in the area and with my history, I'm pretty good at telling the difference. So, if you've had no signs of inflammation, it might be something to think about.

There are two over the counter methods that I've used/had recommended. (You should still check these with your doctor btw.) One is using the nasal sprays that have hydrochloric acid in them to temporarily break up the mucus. Sometimes this works, but it's not a good long term solution. The second is one that my last ENT doc had me do. Essentially, to help prevent sinus infections, I put 1 to 3 drops of iodine in my nasal rinse every now and then. If you have a full blown infection, this won't help, but it's something to help prevent according to her.

Penny Arcade

Quick Links

Do I have chronic sinusitis?

Posts